In this blog post, we offer some crucial tips on how to change your engine oil and avoid the pitfalls. Whether you are a professional or someone doing your own maintenance, it is vital to keep your engine in top condition. It is also important to follow local regulations and ideally change engine oil in a workshop: in some regions and municipalities, it is prohibited to change the oil in public.
Ardeca explains how:
- Refer to the vehicle's owner’s manual: The first and most common mistake people make when changing their engine oil is not checking the owner's manual for specific instructions and recommendations. You need to know the correct type of oil and the recommended oil filter for your vehicle. Failure to do so could lead to engine damage or poor performance.
- Did you know that... one of the most vulnerable parts of the engine is the commonly used turbocharger. The turbocharger has an average lifespan of 150,000 KM, which can go down significantly if the wrong engine oil is used. A turbocharger runs up to 220,000 RPM, and replacing it will easily cost EUR 3,000! That underlines the importance of following the OEM recommendations and changing the oil at the prescribed interval.
- Warming up the engine: It is important to warm up the engine before draining the oil as this helps to loosen and remove any dirt it contains. Did you know that... it's better to drive calmly for the first few kilometres? The oil temperature and pressure are critical. The temperature of the coolant is easily 90 degrees Celsius after a few kilometres, but the engine oil needs more time to reach the operating temperature.
- Have the right tools: Changing the oil requires some basic tools, such as a filter spanner and an oil filter remover. Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you start the job.
- Changing the oil filter: Many people make the mistake of changing only the oil and not the oil filter. The oil filter plays a vital role in keeping the engine oil clean and removing contaminants.
- Do not overtighten the oil filter: Overtightening the oil filter may cause leaks or otherwise damage it. Tighten the oil filter just enough to seal it properly, but not so tight that you risk damaging it.
- Cleaning the oil filter mounting plate: Make sure you clean the oil filter mounting base and its surroundings before fitting the new filter.
- Properly dispose of the spent oil: This oil is considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Many car dealers accept used oil for recycling, or you can check with your local authority for disposal instructions in your area.
- Check for leaks after an oil change: It is important to check for leaks after the oil change to ensure everything is fitted correctly and there are no problems.
- Keeping a record of oil changes: Keeping records of oil changes and other maintenance is important to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. This report can help you plan the next oil change and is a valuable resource for future reference.
Following these tips ensures that the oil is changed correctly and your engine runs smoothly. Always consult the owner's manual for specific recommendations and instructions on your vehicle. Good luck!
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